In the Clear Sky Sect, strength reigns supreme.
Having lived in the Clear Sky Sect for ten years, Tang San was well aware of its rules.
The Clear Sky Sect was a clan, not an academy. The biggest difference lay in the fact that the sect was an interest group where everything revolved around benefits and survival of the fittest. The most crucial aspect was the distribution of resources.
For instance, when Tang San first awakened the Clear Sky Hammer, he was allowed to enter the family registry and receive allocated assets. However, these assets weren't permanently under his control—their ownership had a time limit.
Six years after awakening one's Martial Soul—from ages six to twelve—all disciples of the Clear Sky Sect, including inner sect members who had awakened the Clear Sky Hammer, would undergo evaluation. If they failed to reach the level of a two-ringed Great Soul Master by age twelve, their resource allocation would be reduced. Even if one had awakened the Clear Sky Hammer, failing to become a two-ringed Great Soul Master by age thirteen would result in the revocation of all previously granted assets.
This requirement wasn't something even Clear Sky Sect disciples could easily meet. After reaching two rings, sect disciples would then have their status determined by their ranking in the Clear Sky Soul Arena.
It was worth noting that all elders of the Clear Sky Sect possessed Diamond Battle Soul Badges from the Clear Sky Soul Arena. To become an elder, obtaining a Diamond Battle Soul Badge was one of the essential requirements. In a sense, the original purpose of the Clear Sky Soul Arena was to rank sect disciples, but after the joint development of the seven great sects, it gradually evolved into the current Soul Duel Arena.
Of course, failing to meet the requirements didn't mean immediate expulsion from the sect. After all, the Douluo Continent had its fair share of underdog stories—"Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river, do not bully the young for their poverty." As long as one earned a sufficiently high badge rank in the Soul Duel Arena, even if they hadn't awakened the Clear Sky Hammer at age six, they could still rise to become an inner sect disciple of the Clear Sky Sect.
Normally, Tang San was only a little over ten years old and had no need to participate in the Soul Duel Arena. Moreover, he had just attached his second Soul Ring and hadn't even used his second Soul Skill yet. Entering the arena now would put him at a significant disadvantage.
The Soul Duel Arena had a method of "carding" levels—staying at the X9 level allowed higher-level fighters to challenge lower-level ones. Thus, if Tang San participated now, it would be when he was at his weakest.
Tang Hao said, "You can't use those Hidden Weapons of yours. As long as you obtain a Bronze Badge within ten matches, I'll feel assured letting you enter Slaughter City."
The promotion rules of the Soul Duel Arena were as follows: one point for a win, minus one point for a loss. Accumulating one hundred points allowed for advancement. Theoretically, promotion within ten matches was impossible, but the Clear Sky Soul Arena had special rules.
First, if no one of the same level in the entire arena dared to accept a challenge within seven days, automatic promotion would occur. Second, consecutive wins granted doubled points—one point for the first win, two for the second, four for the third, eight for the fourth, and so on. Thus, a seven-win streak would accumulate over one hundred points, allowing for promotion.
Hearing his father's challenge, Tang San replied nonchalantly, "Father, ten matches won't be necessary. Three days—three days will be enough. You should spend these three days preparing for Slaughter City instead."
Seeing his son's confident demeanor, a barely perceptible glint of amusement flashed in Tang Hao's eyes. If it were truly that easy, he wouldn't have proposed this challenge. Back in the day, Tang Hao had suffered greatly under his own father's trials.
"Confidence is good. Go ahead then—I'll be watching how you achieve seven consecutive victories in three days." Tang Hao revealed a meaningful smile, raising an eyebrow.
Tang San was brimming with confidence and immediately dashed toward the Clear Sky Soul Arena, eager to complete his father's test.
After Tang San left, Bai He, who had been secretly guarding Tang San, teleported before Tang Hao and asked with some confusion, "Tang Hao, no offense, but as a father, you might be underestimating your son. From my observations, even though Tang San has just recently attached his second Soul Ring, his strength likely surpasses most Great Soul Masters in the Clear Sky Sect."
Bai He wasn't wrong. A Great Soul Master who possessed Twin Spirits, trained in the Chaotic Cloak Hammer Technique, and had broken records by obtaining a thousand-year Soul Ring for his second Martial Soul—how could anyone at the same level compete? Even if Tang San's Soul Power was weaker than a Level 29 Great Soul Master, the disparity in Soul Rings would more than compensate.
Tang Hao suddenly revealed a sly grin, chuckling cunningly, "Heh heh heh, Uncle, go contact the other six great sects and have them send their strongest contemporary Great Soul Masters."
Bai He was stunned. Damn, pulling external tricks!
Tang Hao smirked confidently. "Ordinary Great Soul Masters naturally pose no threat to Xiao San. But if they wield top-tier Martial Souls and secretly receive boosts from the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda... well, that's a different story."
Bai He exclaimed in shock, "Isn't that a bit unfair? What if—"
"No worries. My father did the same to me back then."
Good grief, this was a family tradition!
Unaware of his father's underhanded tactics, Tang San strode confidently toward the Clear Sky Soul Arena, ready to register and have the arena arrange opponents for him as quickly as possible.
As Tang San hurried toward the arena, a sudden fragrant breeze swept by, and a red handkerchief, as if guided by unseen eyes, fluttered right in front of him.
A graceful figure in red approached Tang San, deliberately bending down to pick up the fallen handkerchief. With a playful smile, she said, "Oh my, Young Master Tang San, what brings you here today?"
Tang San didn't even glance sideways, remaining silent. It was obvious—the red-clad beauty before him was the madam of the brothel next door.
The Soul Duel Arena was essentially a hybrid of gambling and gladiatorial combat. Its main income didn't come from registration fees but from gambling commissions. With the thrilling battles of Soul Masters, it was only natural for such entertainment establishments to flourish nearby.
Though this pleasure house wasn't owned by the Clear Sky Sect, the land certainly was. The entire city relied on the sect for survival, so how could the madam not recognize Tang San?
Seeing Tang San's indifference, Wan Roujia maintained a polite smile. "It seems Young Master Tang San is preoccupied. Roujia won't disturb you further. Should you ever find yourself at leisure, do come by for a song. If you desire anything, Roujia will ensure you're thoroughly satisfied."
Tang San merely offered a faint smile and walked away without another word.
Not just the brothels, as Tang San walked down the street, every shop seemed to radiate goodwill toward him. It was as if his mere entry into their establishments would be considered a tremendous honor. But this wasn't surprising—as the only son of the Clear Sky Douluo, gaining his favor essentially meant acquiring half the influence of the Clear Sky Sect. On this continent, if not outright dominance, it would at least mean holding sway over half the sky.
(End of Chapter)